Prevalence and risk factors – Hemoglobin A1c, serum magnesium, lipids, and microalbuminuria for diabetic retinopathy: A rural Hospital-based study

Objective: To study the risk factors responsible for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Material and Methods: One hundred and six cases of DR were included for the study. Detailed history including age and sex of the patient, duration of diabetes, anterior segment, and detailed fundus examination was carried out. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postmeal blood sugar (PMBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum magnesium, lipid profile, and microalbuminuria were performed. Results: Of 106 patients of DR, 69.81% were males and 30.18% females. Average duration of diabetes was 7.67 years. Average age was 57.16 years. Nonproliferative DR (NPDR) was present in 87.73% and proliferative DR (PDR) in 12.26%. Raised FBS was present in 78.30%, raised PMBS in 69.81%, raised HbA1c in 77.35%, hypomagnesemia in 22.64%, and microalbuminuria in 7.55% patients. Raised low-density lipoprotein was present in 32.11% NPDR, 3.67% PDR, 19.81% clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Raised triglycerides were present in 37.74% NPDR, 1.88% PDR, and 21.70% CSME. Raised total cholesterol was present in 28.30% NPDR, 1.88% PDR, and 18.87% CSME. Conclusion: Risk factors for developing DR were duration of diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar, raised HbA1c, hypomagnesemia, presence of microalbuminuria, and raised serum lipids. Therefore, good glycemic control with early diagnosis and management is required to prevent DR.